Battlefield 3 remains one of the franchise’s most beloved entries, even in 2026. Its class system defines the multiplayer experience, forcing players to make tactical decisions before every spawn. Unlike modern shooters where loadouts blur together, BF3’s four distinct classes, Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, each bring unique weapons, gadgets, and battlefield responsibilities.
Mastering these classes isn’t just about unlocking better guns. It’s about understanding when your team needs medic support versus anti-vehicle firepower, or how to leverage suppression mechanics to control chokepoints. The depth of BF3’s class design rewarded specialization while encouraging squad synergy, creating a multiplayer ecosystem where every role mattered.
This guide breaks down each class’s weapons, equipment, tactics, and progression systems. Whether you’re returning to BF3 after years away or jumping in for the first time, you’ll learn how to maximize your impact across every game mode and map.
Key Takeaways
- Battlefield 3 classes—Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon—enforce distinct roles that reward squad synergy and strategic specialization over lone-wolf gameplay.
- Assault dominates with healing and assault rifles, Engineer neutralizes vehicles with rocket launchers, Support sustains firefights with ammo and suppression, and Recon gathers intelligence while engaging at range.
- Optimal squad composition varies by map and game mode; heavy vehicle maps need 2 Engineers with Assault and Support backup, while infantry-focused maps benefit from 2-3 Assault players with Support cover.
- Adapting your Battlefield 3 class mid-match based on team needs and enemy composition separates good players from great ones, as flexibility outperforms rigid loadout strategies.
- Role-specific actions—reviving as Assault, repairing as Engineer, resupplying as Support, and spotting as Recon—generate faster progression and maximize your squad’s tactical effectiveness.
- Strong class synergies like Assault plus Engineer or Support plus any class create multiplicative combat effectiveness that dominates through coordinated positioning and resource management.
Understanding the Class System in Battlefield 3
Battlefield 3 locks specific weapon types and equipment to each class, creating interdependencies that define squad gameplay. Unlike Call of Duty’s pick-10 system or later Battlefield titles with more flexibility, BF3 enforces strict class roles.
Assault carries assault rifles and defibrillators, serving as the primary healer and frontline fighter. Engineer wields PDWs, carbines, and rocket launchers, making them essential for vehicle-heavy maps. Support brings LMGs and ammo boxes, sustaining prolonged firefights. Recon uses sniper rifles and spawn beacons, providing intelligence and flanking opportunities.
Each class has its own progression tree with weapon unlocks, gadget upgrades, and specialization slots. Players earn class-specific points by performing role actions, reviving teammates as Assault, repairing vehicles as Engineer, resupplying as Support, or spotting enemies as Recon.
The system forces meaningful choices. Running Assault means you can’t carry anti-tank weapons. Picking Engineer leaves your squad without healing. This design philosophy pushes players toward squad composition thinking rather than lone-wolf gameplay.
Understanding when to switch classes mid-match separates average players from effective ones. A team stacked with three Recons loses map control. Four Engineers can’t sustain a push without ammo resupply. BF3’s class system rewards adaptation and team awareness above individual gun skill.
Assault Class: The Frontline Medic
Assault players carry the dual responsibility of winning firefights and keeping teammates alive. The class’s assault rifles offer versatility across all engagement ranges, while the defibrillator and medkit turn squad wipes into sustained pushes.
Best Weapons and Loadouts for Assault
M16A3 dominates competitive play for good reason. Its 800 RPM fire rate, minimal recoil, and full-auto capability make it the most reliable all-rounder. The AEK-971 trades some accuracy for a blistering 900 RPM, excelling in close-quarters maps like Operation Metro.
For mid-range focused gameplay, the AN-94 offers a unique two-round burst mechanic with 1200 RPM for the first two bullets, giving it exceptional tap-fire precision. The F2000 sits between the M16A3 and AEK-971, offering manageable recoil with competitive DPS.
Recommended Assault loadout for Conquest:
- Primary: M16A3 with ACOG, Heavy Barrel, Foregrip
- Gadget 1: Defibrillator
- Gadget 2: Medkit
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Sprint
CQB loadout for Rush/TDM:
- Primary: AEK-971 with Kobra, Suppressor, Laser Sight
- Gadget 1: Defibrillator
- Gadget 2: Medkit
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Flak
The M320 grenade launcher competes with the defibrillator slot, but sacrificing revives hurts team performance more than one explosive helps. Skilled Assault players always run defibs.
Essential Assault Tactics and Team Support Strategies
Reviving teammates isn’t just generous, it’s strategically crucial. Each revive denies the enemy a ticket in Conquest and maintains numerical advantage during pushes. Always clear the area before reviving or you’ll just feed the enemy two kills instead of one.
Revive priority order:
- Engineers when enemy armor is present
- Other Assault players to sustain healing chain
- Support when ammo is critical
- Recon (unless they’re actively providing vital intelligence)
Drop medkits proactively in high-traffic areas rather than waiting for damage callouts. Placing a medkit at a contested chokepoint keeps multiple teammates topped off during extended firefights.
Assault players should lead squad pushes since they can immediately revive fallen teammates and continue momentum. Hang back slightly during initial contact, if you’re the first to die, no one revives the squad.
On vehicle-heavy maps like Caspian Border or Armored Shield, Assault becomes less essential than Engineer. Recognize when your team needs rocket launchers more than medkits and switch accordingly. Many players playing Battlefield effectively understand this class flexibility separates good squads from great ones.
Engineer Class: Vehicle Destroyer and Mechanic
Engineers define vehicle balance in Battlefield 3. Their rocket launchers neutralize armor threats while repair tools keep friendly vehicles operational. The class trades assault rifle power for essential anti-vehicle capabilities.
Top Engineer Weapons and Equipment Choices
Engineers choose between PDWs and carbines as primary weapons. PDWs offer superior mobility and hipfire but sacrifice range. Carbines provide assault rifle-like performance with slightly worse stats.
M4A1 stands as the most popular carbine, offering 800 RPM and predictable recoil patterns. The G36C trades 50 RPM for improved accuracy and reload speed. For aggressive playstyles, the A-91 brings high DPS with significant recoil.
Among PDWs, the P90 dominates with its 50-round magazine and minimal recoil. The MP7 offers better range than most PDWs while maintaining excellent mobility stats. The AS VAL includes an integrated suppressor and high damage model but suffers from tiny 20-round magazines.
Anti-armor loadout:
- Primary: M4A1 with Holographic, Heavy Barrel, Foregrip
- Gadget 1: RPG-7V2 or SMAW
- Gadget 2: Repair Tool
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Explosives (increases rocket damage)
Vehicle support loadout:
- Primary: P90 with Reflex, Suppressor, Laser Sight
- Gadget 1: Repair Tool
- Gadget 2: SMAW
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Mechanic (faster repairs)
The Javelin launcher requires laser designation from teammates, making it situational. The FGM-148 offers fire-and-forget top-attack capability but requires lock-on time. Unguided rockets (RPG/SMAW) remain most versatile since they work against infantry, vehicles, and structures.
The EOD bot provides remote explosive disposal and enemy spotting but sacrifices crucial anti-vehicle firepower. Use it only on maps with minimal armor presence.
Anti-Vehicle Combat and Repair Priorities
Effective rocket usage requires understanding armor weak points. Tank rear hits deal 30-35 damage compared to 10-15 for front armor. Always flank when possible. Helicopters take full damage from any angle.
Disable mechanics change the engagement dynamic. Hitting tank treads immobilizes them. Damaging helicopter engines reduces maneuverability. Focus on disabling shots when you can’t secure the kill, a disabled tank is a sitting duck for teammates.
Coordinated strikes devastate armor. Two Engineers firing simultaneously can destroy most vehicles before they retreat. Communication about rocket timing multiplies effectiveness.
When repairing friendly vehicles, position yourself opposite the threat direction. Repairing the far side of a tank keeps you alive longer. Constantly check your surroundings, enemy infantry specifically hunt Engineers attached to armor.
Repair priority during multi-vehicle scenarios:
- Aircraft (they’re force multipliers when alive)
- Main battle tanks (heavy armor defines map control)
- LAVs and mobile AA (versatile support)
- Transport vehicles (lowest combat value)
On infantry-focused maps like Metro or Seine Crossing, Engineer value drops significantly. The class still contributes through carbine performance, but Assault or Support typically provides more team utility. Newer players often benefit from beginner-focused strategies that emphasize situational class selection.
Support Class: Ammunition Provider and Suppression Specialist
Support controls sustained firefights through ammo resupply and suppression mechanics. LMGs lack the precision of assault rifles but compensate with massive magazines and suppression bonuses that blur enemy vision and increase their weapon sway.
Optimal Support Loadouts and LMG Selection
Battlefield 3’s LMGs fall into three categories: high ROF bullet hoses, balanced all-rounders, and precision long-range platforms.
M249 offers the best balance with 800 RPM, 200-round belts, and manageable recoil when bipodded. The M240B drops to 650 RPM but hits harder per bullet with superior range. For aggressive Support play, the M27 IAR functions almost like an assault rifle with 700 RPM and excellent moving accuracy.
The Russian PKP Pecheneg combines high damage with 650 RPM and 100-round belts, making it lethal in skilled hands. The Type 88 LMG provides laser-accurate fire but suffers from low 600 RPM.
Defensive Support loadout (bipod focus):
- Primary: M240B with Bipod, Extended Mag, ACOG
- Gadget 1: Ammo Box
- Gadget 2: C4 Explosives
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Suppression
Mobile Support loadout:
- Primary: M249 with Foregrip, Holographic, Extended Mag
- Gadget 1: Ammo Box
- Gadget 2: Claymore
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Sprint
C4 gives Support players anti-vehicle capability and objective denial tools. Two C4 packs destroy any vehicle. Plant them on objectives in Rush mode to detonate when enemies arm MCOMs.
Claymores work best covering flanks or placed in high-traffic doorways. Smart placement near ammo boxes creates self-sustaining trap networks since you can resupply your own claymores.
The Mortar replaces ammo boxes, giving indirect fire support. It’s useful on specific maps like Operation Firestorm but generally less valuable than continuous ammo resupply.
Effective Suppression and Area Denial Techniques
Suppression in BF3 directly impacts enemy accuracy. Bullets passing near opponents increase their weapon sway and add visual blur. LMGs apply significantly more suppression per bullet than other weapons.
Suppressive fire tactics:
- Fire on enemy positions even without confirmed kills
- Prioritize sustained fire over burst accuracy
- Support teammates pushing by keeping enemies suppressed
- Bipod deployment multiplies suppression effectiveness
Find strong defensive positions with cover and clear sightlines. Deploy the bipod for 50% recoil reduction and spam chokepoints. The 200-round M249 belt lets you suppress entire areas for 15+ seconds continuously.
Area denial combines suppression with strategic positioning. Hold doorways, corridors, or objective approaches with continuous fire. Even if you don’t secure kills, you prevent enemy advancement.
Always drop ammo boxes in contested areas. They provide passive team support while you focus on suppression. Place them behind cover so teammates can resupply without exposing themselves.
Support players should recognize when they’re outgunned in open terrain. LMGs suffer at mid-long range against bipodded Recons or skilled Assault players. Control close-medium ranges where suppression and magazine depth matter most.
The class excels on Operation Metro, Grand Bazaar, and Seine Crossing where corridors and chokepoints define engagements. Open maps like Caspian Border reduce Support effectiveness compared to Assault or Engineer. Professional players often reference loadout optimization strategies when refining their Support configurations.
Recon Class: Long-Range Specialist and Intelligence Gatherer
Recon players provide intelligence through spotting and motion sensors while engaging from range with bolt-action rifles. The class suffers from a bad reputation due to ineffective hill campers, but aggressive Recon play significantly impacts objective-focused modes.
Sniper Rifle Options and Aggressive Recon Loadouts
Bolt-action rifles vary primarily in bullet velocity and damage dropoff. The M98B offers the highest bullet velocity (650 m/s) with extreme range before damage fallback, making it ideal for 300+ meter engagements. The M40A5 provides faster cycling between shots with slightly reduced velocity.
For aggressive play, the SV98 cycles quickly with decent velocity. The L96 balances all stats, functioning as the all-rounder choice. The JNG-90 matches the M98B’s velocity while offering faster bolt cycling.
Semi-automatic rifles fundamentally change Recon playstyle. The SKS and M417 allow rapid follow-up shots for close-medium range combat. The MK11 MOD 0 offers the best balance of damage and velocity among semi-autos.
Long-range Recon loadout:
- Primary: M98B with 12x Scope, Bipod, Straight Pull Bolt
- Sidearm: .44 Magnum (backup power)
- Gadget 1: Radio Beacon
- Gadget 2: Motion Sensor
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Sprint (repositioning speed)
Aggressive Recon loadout:
- Primary: M417 with ACOG, Suppressor, Bipod
- Sidearm: G18 (full-auto panic weapon)
- Gadget 1: Motion Sensor
- Gadget 2: Radio Beacon
- Grenade: M67 Frag
- Specialization: Stealth (stay hidden on minimap)
The MAV (Micro Air Vehicle) provides real-time reconnaissance and can spot multiple enemies simultaneously. It’s powerful on Rush mode for identifying enemy positions before squad spawns. The downside is you’re stationary and defenseless while flying it.
C4 enables aggressive Recons to function as saboteurs, destroying vehicles and laying traps. Combined with a spawn beacon behind enemy lines, C4 Recons harass armor and supply lines.
Most competitive players avoid the SOFLAM since it requires teammates to equip Javelin missiles, creating coordination dependencies that rarely pay off in public matches.
Spotting, Motion Sensors, and Team Intelligence
Spotting is Recon’s most underrated contribution. Pressing Q (PC) or Back/Select (console) on enemies places them on the minimap for your entire team. Spot everything, infantry, vehicles, equipment.
Many experienced players track pro settings and configurations to optimize their spotting keybinds for faster target acquisition.
Motion sensors detect enemy movement within 25 meters for 30 seconds. Throw them on objectives or chokepoints to provide constant team intelligence. Unlike MAV spotting, motion sensors work passively while you remain combat-effective.
T-UGS (ground sensor) provides longer-lasting detection than motion sensors but can’t be thrown, you must deploy it directly. Use T-UGS when defending static positions and motion sensors for mobile gameplay.
Radio beacons enable squad spawns behind enemy lines, creating flanking opportunities and pressure on multiple objectives. Place beacons in concealed locations with cover nearby, not on rooftops where spawning squadmates immediately die.
Aggressive Recon tactics:
- Push with your squad using semi-auto rifles
- Deploy motion sensors before entering buildings
- Place spawn beacons on captured objectives for quick reinforcement
- Spot enemies constantly during suppression and retreats
Support Recon tactics:
- Maintain 150-250 meter distance from objectives
- Spot enemies for armor and air support targeting
- Use MAV to identify enemy movements before major pushes
- Place spawn beacons in safe rear positions for squad recovery
Recon’s value scales with player awareness. A Recon providing constant spots and motion sensor intelligence while securing 15 kills outperforms a hill camper with 30 kills and zero objective contribution. Understanding when your team needs intelligence versus frontline bodies separates effective Recons from liability.
Class Unlocks and Progression Systems
Each class features its own progression tree tied to class-specific score rather than overall rank. Earning points through role actions, healing, repairing, resupplying, spotting, unlocks weapons, gadgets, and specializations.
Assault progression unlocks key items at specific milestones. The M16A3 unlocks at 89,000 Assault points, making it a mid-tier grind. The AEK-971 comes earlier at 71,000 points. Defibrillator unlocks immediately, but the improved Medkit requires 6,000 points.
Engineer progression gates the best carbines behind significant playtime. The M4A1 unlocks at 28,000 points, early access to the class’s best weapon. The SCAR-H requires 113,000 points. Anti-tank launcher options unlock progressively, with RPG-7V2 available immediately and Javelin requiring 110,000 points.
Support progression front-loads effective weapons. The M249 unlocks at 18,000 points, giving new Support players quick access to a top-tier LMG. C4 unlocks at 47,000 points, significantly expanding the class’s tactical options. The M240B requires 71,000 points.
Recon progression spreads bolt-actions throughout the unlock path. The starter rifles (SV98 and M40A5) remain competitive even after unlocking later options. The M98B unlocks at 54,000 points. Motion sensors unlock immediately, but the MAV requires 38,000 points and T-UGS needs 50,000.
Weapon attachments unlock through weapon-specific kills and ribbons. Each gun has unique unlock paths requiring continued use:
- Optical sights: 10-50 kills depending on magnification
- Foregrips/Bipods: 40 kills
- Suppressors: 50 kills
- Heavy Barrels: 30 kills
Specializations (perk slots) unlock through overall rank progression:
- Sprint: Rank 8
- Suppression: Rank 25
- Explosives: Rank 27
- Flak: Rank 38
Some specializations unlock through assignments, specific challenge combinations. The AMTRAC specialization requires 5 kills with the EOD bot and 5 vehicle repairs in one round.
Efficient progression focuses on role actions rather than kills. Assault players earn more points through revives and heals than pure gunplay. Engineers score heavily through vehicle damage and repairs. Support gains from resupplies and suppression assists. Recon benefits from spotting ribbons and motion sensor assists.
Players grinding specific weapons should focus on game modes that emphasize their class’s role. Operation Metro favors Assault and Support progression. Armored Shield accelerates Engineer unlocks. Rush modes provide balanced opportunities across all classes. Many tactical players prioritize unlock efficiency when selecting modes.
Choosing the Right Class for Different Game Modes
BF3’s game modes create vastly different class requirements. Optimal class selection depends on mode objectives, map design, and current team composition.
Conquest (large maps):
- Engineer dominates vehicle-heavy maps (Caspian Border, Operation Firestorm, Armored Shield)
- Assault controls infantry objectives (Damavand Peak, Grand Bazaar)
- Support holds strategic chokepoints between flags
- Recon provides intelligence and spawn beacon mobility
Ideal Conquest squad composition: 2 Engineers, 1 Assault, 1 Support. Swap one Engineer for Recon on infantry-focused maps.
Rush:
- Assault becomes critical for sustained pushes on MCOM stations
- Engineer handles defender vehicles and plants C4 on objectives
- Support suppresses defender positions during arms
- Recon places spawn beacons behind enemy lines for flanking
Rush attackers should run 2 Assault, 1 Engineer, 1 Recon. Defenders need 2 Engineers, 1 Support, 1 Assault to handle attacker vehicles while maintaining defensive positions.
Team Deathmatch:
- Assault provides self-sufficient healing and top-tier weapons
- Engineer offers mobile PDW/carbine play
- Support rarely optimal due to LMG limitations in pure gunfights
- Recon works only with aggressive semi-auto loadouts
TDM heavily favors Assault. Most competitive TDM players run 3-4 Assault per squad.
Squad Deathmatch:
- Engineer becomes mandatory for the IFV each squad controls
- Assault keeps the squad alive during extended engagements
- Support resupplies rocket ammunition for vehicle combat
- Recon provides motion sensor intelligence
Balanced SQDM composition: 1 Engineer (dedicated vehicle support), 2 Assault, 1 Support or Recon.
Conquest Domination (small maps):
- Assault dominates fast-paced close quarters
- Engineer provides mobile firepower with limited vehicle threats
- Support controls key hallways and indoor positions
- Recon struggles unless running aggressive semi-auto loadouts
Conquest Domination plays like faster Conquest with minimal vehicles. Prioritize Assault, then Engineer, then Support.
Map-specific recommendations:
Operation Metro (64p): Support and Assault dominate. Engineers have minimal value with no vehicles. Recon works only as aggressive MAV spotters. Run 50%+ Assault with Supporting filling remaining slots.
Caspian Border: Engineer mandatory with heavy armor presence. Balanced composition of 2 Engineers, 1 Assault, 1 Support works best. Recon can replace Support for spawn beacon mobility.
Seine Crossing: Mixed infantry/vehicle balance favors 2 Assault, 1 Engineer, 1 Support. Light armor presence reduces Engineer necessity compared to open maps.
Damavand Peak: Rush’s most iconic map requires 2 Assault, 1 Engineer, 1 Recon for attackers. Spawn beacons behind cave tunnels create unstoppable flanking pressure.
Adapt to team composition in real-time. If your team runs 60% Recon, switch to Assault or Support regardless of map. Four snipers contribute less than one player addressing the actual team needs. Resources covering creative tactical approaches often emphasize this adaptive mindset.
Advanced Class Synergy and Squad Composition
Individual class mastery means little without understanding squad synergies. Battlefield 3’s best squads coordinate class selections to create multiplicative combat effectiveness.
Core synergies:
Assault + Engineer: Assault keeps Engineer alive while Engineer destroys vehicles threatening Assault. This pairing forms the backbone of most effective squads. The Engineer disables enemy armor while Assault handles infantry threats and revives.
Support + Any Class: Support’s ammo boxes enable unlimited rocket spam, C4 throws, medkit drops, and grenade usage. A Support player embedded in a squad multiplies every other player’s effectiveness by eliminating ammo constraints.
Recon + Assault: Aggressive Recon places spawn beacons behind enemy lines while Assault maintains the squad’s fighting strength through continuous heals and revives. This combination creates devastating flanking pressure.
Engineer + Engineer: Double Engineer squads devastate armor. Coordinated rocket volleys eliminate vehicles before they can retreat. One Engineer repairs friendly armor while the other provides anti-infantry support.
Assault + Support: Medkits and ammo boxes create self-sustaining infantry squads capable of holding positions indefinitely. This pairing excels on Operation Metro and other infantry-focused maps.
Optimal squad compositions by situation:
Heavy vehicle maps (Caspian, Firestorm):
- 2 Engineers (one in vehicle, one supporting infantry)
- 1 Assault (squad healing)
- 1 Support (ammo resupply for rocket spam)
Infantry-focused maps (Metro, Seine):
- 2-3 Assault (continuous revive chains)
- 1-2 Support (ammo and suppression)
- 0-1 Engineer (situational, mostly unnecessary)
Rush attackers:
- 2 Assault (sustain pushing power)
- 1 Engineer (vehicle threats and C4 plants)
- 1 Recon (spawn beacon behind defenders)
Rush defenders:
- 2 Engineers (attacker vehicles and MCOM defense)
- 1 Support (ammo for rocket spam)
- 1 Assault (healing defensive positions)
Communication multipliers:
Voice communication transforms squad effectiveness. Call out:
- Armor positions for Engineer focus fire
- Wounded teammates for Assault healing priority
- Ammo requests so Support knows where to drop boxes
- Enemy movements detected through Recon sensors
Specialized roles within classes:
Not every Engineer needs to be in a vehicle. Designate one Engineer as vehicle operator and another as dedicated anti-armor infantry. This prevents situations where both Engineers are in vehicles when enemy armor appears.
Assign one Assault as primary reviver who hangs back during pushes. The secondary Assault leads the charge, knowing backup revives are coming. This creates resilient squad pushes that survive initial contact.
Split Support responsibilities: one player focuses on suppression and area control while another prioritizes ammo placement and resupply locations.
Squad leader considerations:
Squad leaders should run Assault or Engineer for maximum combat effectiveness. Support and Recon squad leaders sacrifice combat presence during objective orders. The squad leader’s death prevents squad spawning, making survivability crucial.
Many competitive teams study game guide resources to understand class meta evolution and composition trends across different competitive scenes.
Adapting to enemy composition:
If enemies run heavy armor, shift toward Engineer-focused squads. If they stack infantry on chokepoints, Support suppression and Assault healing enable sustained pushes. Always maintain at least one Assault for revive capability, the ticket advantage from revives outweighs most other considerations.
Squads that adapt class composition mid-match based on enemy tactics and map phase consistently outperform static loadouts. Recognize when your current composition isn’t working and adjust. BF3 rewards flexibility over rigid adherence to any single strategy.
Conclusion
Battlefield 3’s class system remains one of the franchise’s strongest designs. The forced specialization creates genuine squad interdependence while rewarding individual mastery within each role. Players who understand when to run Assault versus Engineer, when to prioritize revives over kills, and how to coordinate class selection with teammates unlock BF3’s full tactical depth.
Mastering all four classes makes you a flexible squad asset capable of filling any role the situation demands. Start with Assault to learn fundamental gunplay and map flow. Progress to Engineer on vehicle-heavy maps. Experiment with Support for defensive scenarios. Challenge yourself with aggressive Recon to develop positioning and game sense.
The best BF3 players don’t main a single class, they adapt constantly based on team needs, map design, and mode objectives. That flexibility defines the difference between competent shooters and complete Battlefield players. Whether you’re jumping into classic BF3 servers in 2026 or exploring what made earlier Battlefield games great, understanding these class fundamentals translates across the entire franchise.
